The Ashes 2025-26: Kevin Pietersen predicts the highest wicket taker ahead of the AUS vs ENG series

Kevin Pietersen has backed an Australian bowler to finish as highest wicket-taker.

Former England captain Kevin Pietersen has chosen his pick for the highest wicket-taker of the upcoming Ashes 2025-26 between Australia and England. The five-test historic series will begin on November 21 at the Optus Stadium in Perth.

England have not won The Ashes in Australia since the 2010-11, while Australia have been dominant at home, defeating England 0-4 the last time they hosted them.

While Australia have announced their squad for the first test, the most highlighted part was the absence of regular captain Pat Cummins, who will miss the encounter after suffering a back injury in the series against the West Indies and has been rehabbing since then.

Steve Smith will captain Australia, and Scott Boland has been included in the squad as a replacement pacer. Cummins is now hoping to return for the day-night test at the Gabba. If Australia go with a three-pacer combination once Cummins returns, Boland may miss out on a spot in the playing XI, but his form provides a strong case for his inclusion during the Ashes 2025-26 series.

Kevin Pietersen picks Scott Boland as the highest wicket-taker in Ashes 2025-26, on this condition

The 36-year-old bowler has played only 14 tests for Australia, taking 62 wickets at an incredible average of 16.53 and an economy rate of 2.75. Boland’s home record is even more spectacular, with 49 wickets in nine games and an astounding economy of 2.41.  

In the last five red-ball games, Scott Boland has claimed 20 wickets at an economy rate of 3.14. Ahead of the Ashes 2025-26, former England cricketer Kevin Pietersen has backed the indigenous Australian fast bowler to become the highest wicket-taker of the series, given he plays all five tests.

“If Scott Boland plays all 5 Test Matches in The Ashes, he WILL be the highest wicket taker,” Pietersen posted on X on Saturday (November 8).

However, Boland’s place in Australia’s test XI isn’t guaranteed once Cummins returns from his injury.

In the first Ashes test against England in Perth, Australia will have a potent pace attack that includes Josh Hazlewood, Scott Boland, and Mitchell Starc, all of whom have been playing well in the Sheffield Shield. Seamers Brendan Doggett and Sean Abbott might have to wait for their opportunity.

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